Perth Voice Interactive

“OH là là,” were, apparently, Cathrine Summer’s first words.

It was the 1980s and English baby Cathrine, now in her 30s, had cried out to her mother during what would be a three-year residency in France.

Decades later and following migration from England to Australia nine years ago, she still has French on her mind.

The Osborne Park woman will sing in the language of love and bring a bit of Paris — all that jazz — to Maylands as part of Fringe World Festival, which starts January 22.

The jazz singer says those first three years of her life in Paris had a profound influence on her music and culture.

“I grew up loving all things French,” she says.

“I loved the music in movies, and back then songs became famous following the release of films. Now it’s the other way around.

“My family have a working-class background, and my parents have been together for 40-odd years — or whatever sapphire is — and France completely shaped their entire culture. They were lit up by the experience, and I want to bring some of that to Perth in my shows.”

Summer’s international repertoire includes songs by Edith Piaf, Marlene Dietrich and Cole Porter.

Joining her on stage will be burlesque and cabaret dancers, some of whom have performed globally and at Moulin Rouge.

The French-themed show, A Summers Night in Paris ($35), debuts at Maylands’ “boutique” exhibition space, The Parrott House, at 4 Sussex Street, from 6pm, Sunday, January 31.

Shows continue February 11, 12 and 13 — in the lead up to Valentine’s Day.

Summers’ other performances are at Midlandia and at Perth’s Lamont’s Bishops House.

The Midlandia show is inspired by the grandeur of The Great Gatsby, and Lamont’s event, Summer Groove Sundowner, will be a “pop-up vintage bar” on various Wednesdays during the month-long festival.

For more information on shows or to buy tickets, visit fringeworld.com.au.

by EMMIE DOWLING